Month: March 2018

 

1. SITUATION

According to the information provided by the IPMA, it is expected that within the next 48 hours that the weather conditions will be:

 Persistent and occasionally heavy precipitation (> 10 mm / h) from 00:00 tomorrow (17 MAR), with the period of greatest intensity between 00:00 and 07:00 in the districts of Leiria, Lisbon and Santarém, progressing southwards, with greater probability of affecting between 12.00 and 21.00 hrs, the districts of Lisbon, Setúbal, Beja and Faro.

From late Sunday morning (18 MAR) there is a likelihood that the precipitation will subside.

 Snowfall above 800/1000 meters may accumulate up to 5 cm in districts between the North and the Centre of the country in the period from 1800 to 2100 hrs tomorrow (MAR 17).

 Increase in the wind intensity from the end of today, remaining during Saturday (17 MAR), with gusts reaching 90 km / h, along the coast, and 100 km / h in the highlands, in especially in the coastal strip south of Cabo Mondego.

The most critical periods will be between 06:00 and 12:00 and between 18:00 and 24:00 hrs.

 Possibility of extreme winds (intensity higher than above indicated) along the central and southern coast, especially in the afternoon.

 Decreased wind intensity from late Sunday morning (MAR 18), maintaining, however, the forecast of gusts up to 70 km / h.

 High seas with a 4 to 5 m northwest swell on the west coast south of the Cape Mondego until late Sunday morning (MAR 18). On the south coast, maritime southwest, also 4 to 5 m, from the late afternoon tomorrow (MAR 17).

Follow the weather forecasts on www.ipma.pt

 

2. EXPECTED EFFECTS

In view of the situation described, the following effects may occur:

• Slippery road surface and possible formation of water and ice patches;
• Possibility of rapid flooding in urban areas, due to the accumulation of rainwater or insufficient drainage systems;
• Possibility of flooding by transhipment of water lines in the most vulnerable areas;
• Floods of underground urban structures with where there are drainage deficiencies;
• Damage to mounted or suspended structures;
• Drainage problems in urban systems, especially those occurring during periods of high tide, and may cause flooding in the most vulnerable places;
• Possibility of falling branches or trees due to stronger winds;
• Possible coastal shoreline accidents;
• Landslips caused by instability of slopes due to loss of consistency due to saturation of soil in water;

 

3. PREVENTIVE MEASURES

The ANPC reminds people of the need to take appropriate action, particularly in the most vulnerable areas, including the main self-protection measures as follows in these situations:

• Ensure that rainwater drainage systems are cleared and that inert aggregates and other objects that can be drawn in. or obstruct the free flow of water, are removed;
• Adopt a defensive driving, reducing the speed and taking special care with the possible accumulation of snow and the formation of water patches on the roads;
• Avoid crossing flooded areas in order to prevent people and / or vehicles falling into holes in the pavement or open sewers;
• Ensure that loose structures, namely scaffolding, placards and other suspended structures are properly secured;
• Take special care in passing by and staying near wooded areas, keeping in mind the possibility of falling branches and trees due to strong wind;
• Take special care in passing along the coastline and riverside areas more vulnerable to coastal gullies; avoid remaining in these places;
• Do not engage in activities related to the sea, such as sport fishing, water sports and walks by the sea; avoid the parking of vehicles very close to the seafront;
• Keep an eye on meteorological information and Civil Protection and Security Forces indications.

 

NATIONAL AUTHORITY OF CIVIL PROTECTION

Av. Do Forte | 2794-112 Carnaxide – Portugal

T .: 351 21 424 7100 | www.prociv.pt

 

 

1. SITUATION

According to the IPMA, in the next few days the weather is expected to worsen, with increased rough seas (all along the coast), precipitation (occasionally strong), thunderstorms, strong winds (possibility of extreme events), and snowfall. In particular:

 Worsening of the maritime unrest in the north of Cape Raso, starting at 21:00 hours today (14 MAR), with waves of 5 to 6 meters, and it is expected that the situation will continue until 18: 00 hours tomorrow (15 MAR); the day after tomorrow (16 MAR), it is expected that seas will decrease  to 4 to 5 meters;

 Periods of rain, sometimes strong, passing under a rainfall trough, with the possibility of hail, for the districts of Porto, Vila Real, Viseu and Aveiro until 00:00 hours tomorrow (MAR 15).

 Strong wind blowing with maximum gusts of 80 km / h, for the districts of Viana do Castelo, Braga, Porto, Aveiro, Coimbra and Leiria until 01:00 AM tomorrow (MAR 15). In the highlands the gusts can reach 100 km / h.

 Snowfall avove1,000 meters in the districts of Viana do Castelo, Braga, Vila Real, Bragança and Guarda between 6pm today (14 MAR) and 09:00 tomorrow (15Mar).

Follow the weather forecasts on www.ipma.pt

2. EXPECTED EFFECTS

In view of the situation described, the following effects may occur:

• Slippery road surface and possible formation of water and ice patches;
• Possibility of rapid flooding in urban areas, due to the accumulation of rainwater or insufficient drainage systems;
• Possibility of flooding by transhipment of water lines in the most vulnerable areas;
• Floods of underground urban structures with where there are drainage deficiencies;
• Damage to mounted or suspended structures;
• Drainage problems in urban systems, especially those occurring during periods of high tide, and may cause flooding in the most vulnerable places;
• Possibility of falling branches or trees due to stronger winds;
• Possible coastal shoreline accidents;
• Landslips caused by instability of slopes due to loss of consistency due to saturation of soil in water;

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

The ANPC reminds people of the need to take appropriate action, particularly in the most vulnerable areas, including the main self-protection measures as follows in these situations:

• Ensure that rainwater drainage systems are cleared and that inert aggregates and other objects that can be drawn in. or obstruct the free flow of water, are removed;
• Adopt a defensive driving, reducing the speed and taking special care with the possible accumulation of snow and the formation of water patches on the roads;
• Avoid crossing flooded areas in order to prevent people and / or vehicles falling into holes in the pavement or open sewers;
• Ensure that loose structures, namely scaffolding, placards and other suspended structures are properly secured;
• Take special care in passing by and staying near wooded areas, keeping in mind the possibility of falling branches and trees due to strong wind;
• Take special care in passing along the coastline and riverside areas more vulnerable to coastal gullies; avoid remaining in these places;
• Do not engage in activities related to the sea, such as sport fishing, water sports and walks by the sea; avoid the parking of vehicles very close to the seafront;
• Keep an eye on meteorological information and Civil Protection and Security Forces indications.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1. SITUATION

Following the contact with the Portuguese Institute of the Sea and the Atmosphere (IPMA) held today, March 13, by the National Civil Protection Authority (CNPC) of the National Civil Protection Authority (ANPC); from 14^th March there will be a worsening of weather conditions, with precipitation, stronger winds and snow, together with rough seas (along the entire coast):

• Tomorrow (14MAR) precipitation is expected to occur, with strong winds (throughout the day) and snowfall above altitude of 1800 meters, decreasing (from the afternoon) to above 1000 meters, in the Centre and North regions.
• Cumulative rainfall may reach 30 mm between 00:00 and 12:00 hrs and 40 mm in the following 12 hours, especially north of the Tagus.
• The wind may reach maximum gusts of 100 km / h and can be stronger in the most exposed and / or elevated areas.
• In the morning (14MAR) a strong sea breeze is expected, and it is forecast that from 3:00 p.m., the waves will be from the west / northwest and reach a height of 4 to 5 meters (on the whole coast) lasting until the morning of 16MAR (Friday).

Follow the weather forecasts on www.ipma.pt

2. EXPECTED EFFECTS

In view of the situation described, the following effects may occur:

• Slippery road surface and possible formation of water and ice patches;
• Possibility of rapid flooding in urban areas, due to the accumulation of rainwater or insufficient drainage systems;
• Possibility of flooding by transhipment of water lines in the most vulnerable areas;
• Floods of underground urban structures with where there are drainage deficiencies;
• Damage to mounted or suspended structures;
• Drainage problems in urban systems, especially those occurring during periods of high tide, and may cause flooding in the most vulnerable places;
• Possibility of falling branches or trees due to stronger winds;
• Possible coastal shoreline accidents;
• Landslips caused by instability of slopes due to loss of consistency due to saturation of soil in water;
• Obstruction of roadways by falling trees, landslides, stones or other structures;

3. PREVENTIVE MEASURES

The ANPC reminds people of the need to take appropriate action, particularly in the most vulnerable areas, including the main self-protection measures as follows in these situations:

• Ensure that rainwater drainage systems are cleared and that inert aggregates and other objects that can be drawn in. or obstruct the free flow of water, are removed;
• Adopt a defensive driving, reducing the speed and taking special care with the possible accumulation of snow and the formation of water patches on the roads;
• Placing snow chains on vehicles when driving in areas covered by snow and / or ice;
• Avoid crossing flooded areas in order to prevent people and / or vehicles falling into holes in the pavement or open sewers;
• Ensure that loose structures, namely scaffolding, placards and other suspended structures are properly secured;
• Take special care in passing by and staying near wooded areas, keeping in mind the possibility of falling branches and trees due to strong wind;
• Take special care in passing along the coastline and riverside areas more vulnerable to coastal gullies; avoid remaining in these places;
• Do not engage in activities related to the sea, such as sport fishing, water sports and walks by the sea; avoid the parking of vehicles very close to the seafront;
• Avoid travelling and staying in the highlands where the gusts of wind are strong or very strong;
• Keep an eye on meteorological information and Civil Protection and Security Forces indications.

 

This Warning to the Population complements the Previous one issued (AP / 05 / DCS / 2018, from 2018-03-08, at 15:30), which is still in force

NATIONAL AUTHORITY OF CIVIL PROTECTION

Av. Do Forte | 2794-112 Carnaxide – Portugal

T .: 351 21 424 7100 | www.prociv.pt

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1. SITUATION

Considering the current meteorological situation, the National Civil Protection Authority, through its District Commands and in close coordination with the Portuguese Agency for Environment and Civil Protection System agents, have reinforced the operational follow-up of the river basins that historically may experience flooding.

Special attention is being given to the basins of the Tagus, Vouga (Águeda) and Douro (Tâmega), as well as like all of the remaining tributaries north of the Tagus.

Thus, as a preventive measure and of operational anticipation, the authorities have activated the Special Emergency Plan for Floods in the Tagus Basin (Santarém) and the Plan Emergency Special for Floods in the Municipality of Coimbra.

2. PREVENTIVE MEASURES

Measures to be observed and taken by citizens in potentially affected areas, namely:

 Remove from the confinement areas which are normally flooded, agricultural equipment, industrial, vehicles and other goods;

 Place animals in safe locations, removing the herds in the areas likely to be flooded;

 Do not cross roads or wetlands with cars or on foot;

 Keep informed, through the Media or Information Civil Protection, fulfilling the actions necessary for its protection, of yourself, family and property.

The ANPC is actively monitoring the present situation.

No. AP / 6 / DCS / 2018

NATIONAL AUTHORITY OF CIVIL PROTECTION

Av. Do Forte | 2794-112 Carnaxide – Portugal

T .: 351 21 424 7100 | www.prociv.pt

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In only nine days, most of the reservoirs have recovered part of their volume, but not enough. Storm Felix is due to bring more rain and high seas until Monday

The rain that has fallen on the mainland since the end of February has already increased water storage in reservoirs. Of the 61 monitored reservoirs, 10 now have availability of more than 80% of their total volume (five more than on February 28) and 12 have availability of less than 40%, when at the beginning of the month they were less than 23%.

The situation, however, is still is not resolved, and even with storm Felix resulting in damage, especially in Lisbon, “the precipitation is not enough to say that the drought is over,” Francisco Ferreira, president of the environmental association ZERO, told DNF.

Especially in the south of the country, dam levels are still very low. In the Sado basin, for example, there are eight reservoirs that remain in this situation, such as Campilhas, which has only 7% of its total availability, Monte da Rocha (10%), Monte Miguéis (12%) or Vale de Gaio (22%). In the Tagus basin the most depleted reservoir is Divor, with only 16% of the volume, and in the Guadiana basin there are three with levels below 28%

In the same vein, Environment Minister João Pedro Matos Fernandes considers that it is necessary to continue to take care of water consumption because, although rain has been restoring water levels in dams, this has taken place very slowly “as he told reporters yesterday.

“We have to separate the country in half,” said the minister, quoted by Lusa. “To the north of the Tagus River, the dams are very close to their maximum capacity and some have already reached them,” he told reporters, at a conference on climate change organized by the Order of Engineers.

Already in the south of the country, although there are “water slots every day”, there are still worrying situations, such as the Monte da Rocha dam in the municipality of Ourique, which supplies “a vast group of inhabitants”, and that is still only 9.6% of its capacity, said the official, noting that “the soil was very dry and absorbed a lot of water.”

Therefore, he stressed, although the weather forecasts are more rain for the next few days, “the concern about drought and the responsibility of each one does not change at all.”

1. SITUATION

According to the information provided by the IPMA, the weather is expected to worsen in the coming days, with heavy precipitation, thunderstorms, higher wind with the possibility of extreme occurrences, aggravated by high seas along the coast. The following is forecast:

• Strong and persistent precipitation in the whole territory from dawn Friday 9^th until Sunday (March 11), especially in Minho and Douro Litoral regions, which may also include the districts of Vila Real, Viseu and Aveiro. Accumulated rainfall may reach 40-60 mm / 12 hours, with the most critical period occurring between 3:00 pm and 9:00 pm on 9^th March.
• Moderate to strong wind (up to 55 km / h) from the south quadrant, with gusts up to 85 km / h on the coast, and up to 110 km / h in the highlands. Possibility of extreme winds, more likely to occur in the South of the country.
• South-west high seas along the coast, with wave height reaching 4-5 meters, starting at 6pm tomorrow 9th. On Sunday, the sea state is expected to increase with waves exceeding 7 meters on the west coast and maximum peaks of up to 14 meters.

Follow the weather forecasts on www.ipma.pt

 

2. EXPECTED EFFECTS

In view of the situation described above, the following effects may occur:

• Slippery road surface and possible formation of water and ice patches;
• Possibility of rapid flooding in urban areas, due to the accumulation of rainwater or insufficient drainage systems;
• Possibility of flooding by transhipment of water lines in the most vulnerable areas;
• Floods of underground urban structures with drainage deficiencies;
• Damage to mounted or suspended structures;
• Drainage problems in urban systems, especially those occurring during periods of high tide, and may cause flooding in the most vulnerable places;
• Possibility of falling branches or trees due to stronger wind;
• Possible coastal shoreline accidents;
• Geomorphological phenomena caused by instability of slopes associated with soil saturation, due to loss of consistency.

 

3. PREVENTIVE MEASURES

 

The ANPC advises people to take appropriate measures to mitigate the effect of bad weather on daily life, especially in the historically most vulnerable areas of the territory.

• Ensure clearing of rainwater drainage systems and removal of aggregates and other objects that may be dragged or obstruct the free flow of water;
• Adopt a defensive driving, reducing the speed and taking special care with the possible accumulation of snow and the formation of water patches on roads;
• Do not cross flooded areas in order to avoid people or vehicles falling into holes in the pavement or open sewers;
• Ensure adequate attachment of loose structures, namely scaffolding, placards and other suspended structures;
• Take special care in passing by or staying near wooded areas, being aware of the possibility of falling branches and trees, due to a stronger wind;
• Take special care in the circulation along the coastline and riverside areas historically more vulnerable to coastal gullies, avoiding if possible passing through or staying in these places;
• Do not engage in sea-related activities, such as sport fishing, water sports and seafront walks, and avoid parking vehicles very close to the seafront;
• Be alert to weather information and Civil Protection and Security Forces indications.

According to the latest update of the weather forecast for Madeira, according to data released by the IPMA, around 1900 hrs on 7^th March, the mountainous regions of the Region are under an orange alert due to the strong wind, expected to be around 130 kph. On the north and south coasts, the warning is set in yellow.

Following the ‘Felix’ depression, which is located north of the Azores archipelago, the IPMA predicts that as of midnight on March 9, this depression will be centred at 47N / 24W, north of the Azores archipelago, but will affect Madeira as well, with an expected atmospheric pressure in its centre reading of 979hPa.

Due to the high winds people are advised to take special care near coastal fronts, and follow local precautionary measures issued by the Civil Protection and police.

On 8^th March the captain of the Port of Porto Santo and local commander of the Maritime Police, in coordination with the Sub-Centre of Coordination of Search and Rescue of Funchal (MRSC Funchal), coordinated an operation to assist a French sailboat, about 2.5 kms south of the port of Ilha Dourada.

Earlier the two crew members contacted the authorities seeking assistance due to their lack of propulsion and not least because of the sea and wind conditions at the high.

The alert was given by 14:22, and the lifeboat ‘AMN-10-SG BARRACUDA’ and the ‘Comandante Veleiro de Andrade’ pilot vessel were launched immediately.

The vessel was then towed to the port of Porto Santo, and the two crew members were in good health, without the need for any medical assistance.